Texas is taking a new approach to Statewide responsibility of volunteer
fire departments and prevention mitigation teams. There are 1,800 volunteer
fire departments with 45,000 volunteer firefighters. Volunteers provide primary
initial attack and first reinforcement, but they do not do project type fires.
These are handled by Texas Forest Service.
SUBJECT: ICS training and testing material on the Internet.
DISCUSSION: There has not been much progress on this issue. We
have the capability to put material on the Internet, and can password-protect
tests and answers on the Internet at this time. Some funding will be needed
to convert course software prior to putting ICS training on the Net. There
are no final indications of costs. NWCG consensus is that there is probably
no reason to attempt to password protect ICS tests. Completion of ICS training
is not mandatory for the qualification system. We will follow up at the June
NWCG meeting.
SUBJECT:
Crew typing.
DISCUSSION: The IOSWT has canvassed the Geographic Areas and,
based on responses received, recommends leaving Type 1 and 2 standards for
crews as they exist. They recommend no provisions be made for a Type 3 crew.
MOTION:
Accept the IOSWT recommendation, but we may ask the IOSWT to take another
look at crew typing based on the Tri-Data Report.
SECONDED AND CARRIED.
SUBJECT: Fire shelter specifications.
DISCUSSION: The Missoula Technology and Development Center continues
to work on the issue, but is not ready to make any positive recommendation
at this time. There are many variables to be considered in shelter specifications
such as weight, protection factor, durability, etc. A stainless steel shelter
has been reviewed and tested; it seems to work, but does not appear to hold
up well in the heat.
A new shelter design (similar to the one in use now, but with expanded
corners and a built-in floor) should be available for the 1999 fire season.
Some case changes to make the shelter easier to remove may also be ready for
1999 fire activity. Major testing and modification will not be available
until 2003. NWCG would like to have a list of minimum standards and criteria
for testing shelters. Jim Hull will pass this information back to the SHWT
for action.
A new MTDC publication was highly recommended for wide distribution. This
publication, Vehicle Entrapment Survival - MTDC (publication 9751-2817-MTDC)
examines using a shelter versus staying in a vehicle.
SUBJECT: Area Command Position Task Books.
DISCUSSION: The Area Command Task Books are completed. These documents
outline the role and responsibility for each Area Command position. The draft
publications will be sent to IOSWT for review and inclusion in the NWCG 310-1
document.
SUBJECT: Revision of 310-1 / 330-1 Position Task Books.
DISCUSSION: Wildland fire qualification system documents are the
responsibility of IOSWT, but the Team is receiving comment and close input
from both the Training Working and Fire Use Working Teams. IOSWT is currently
validating and revising the Task Books to ensure job requirements are accurate.
The Training Working Team continues to support a performance-based system,
rather than a training-based system. They recognize that some training courses,
such as aviation and safety, will continue to be mandatory.
Generally, it is felt by the TWT, FUWT, and IOSWT that there is a problem
in the implementation process, not within the qualification system itself.
A teleconference, “Wildland Fire Qualification System Application,"
is planned for May 13, 1998, to provide guidance and continued implementation
on the system to the field. Overhead for managing the project appears to
have been underestimated. There has not been development of common instruction
in administration and performance use of the qualifications system. This
shortcoming is being addressed, and will be completed and presented as part
of the teleconference.
The revised Position Task Books are scheduled to be sent from IOSWT to
agencies for review in May 1998. Comments received will be jointly adjudicated
between TWT and IOSWT. The revision of the qualification documents is scheduled
to be ready for field use by spring 1999. The wildland fire qualification
system will remain a performance-based system with the potential to modify
some course requirements. 310-1 will outline minimum qualification standards
for all fire jobs, including prescribed fire. The prescribed fire task books
will be included in 310-1, rather than having the prescribed fire system in
a separate publication.
No NWCG action is needed at this time, except to offer support to TWT,
FUWT, and IOSWT to continue their effort in revision of 310-1 and the Position
Task Books. Mandatory course requirements should be studied to ensure all
are covered. This may require a change from where we are today. Agencies
need to make sure that qualification approval personnel accept the responsibility
to make certain persons meet the qualifications before they are qualified.
The NASF Fire Committee Chair will attempt to make a consolidated report on
key issues from all States. All other agency personnel need to ensure that
agency comments are made to the qualifications document as they become available
for field review.
SUBJECT: Name
and Charter change of Prescribed Fire and Fire Effects Working Team.
DISCUSSION:
Changes in agency fire policy and currently accepted fire use terminology
prompted PFFEWT to review their Charter. After close review and discussion,
the team feels that "Fire Use Working Team" better reflects today's
terminology and policy. They have submitted a Charter modification and name
change for consideration.
MOTION:
That NWCG accept the Charter modification and name change from PFFEWT. The
new name will be Fire Use Working Team.
SECONDED AND CARRIED.
SUBJECT:
Wildland fire flow chart.
DISCUSSION: A flow chart issued with NWCG memo of June 16 that explained
the partial implementation of Fire Management Planning has two minor errors.
The block that states “No FMP or No ‘zone’ or No Rx Factors...” should be
modified to state, “No FMP is approved or Human Caused." The second
modification needed is on the “unsuccessful” block on the right side of the
page; this needs an arrow returning the reader to the “Wildland Fire Situation
Analysis” block.
MOTION: Approve the modifications discussed, including titling
the chart. Roger Erb, Vice Chair, will make the modifications and send to
Don Artley, Chair, for dating and approval. Don will also send the new chart
to the field.
SECONDED AND CARRIED.
SUBJECT: Working
Team information storage at NIFC.
DISCUSSION: This is a follow-up to the topic brought up at the last
NWCG meeting to provide storage for Working Teams at one central location.
Space is available for this purpose.
MOTION:
The NWCG Executive Secretary will send a memo to Working Teams to determine
their individual storage needs. Team representatives will have responsibility
for storage.
SECONDED AND CARRIED.
SUBJECT: Pack Testing.
DISCUSSION: The Forest Service has received concurrence for the
completed Civil Rights Needs Analysis on the Pack Test.
The Forest Service's union requires a brochure and video explaining how
the test should be administered. This is in progress. Forest Service regions
in the East, with typically early fire seasons, will be excused from the Pack
Test for their early season testing. The Forest Service asks that other agencies
participate in data collection from the Pack Test. Mary Jo Lavin will provide
specific information on this participation at a later date. EFF and other
personnel who do not pass the Pack Test may take the Step Test or the 1-½
mile run as a measure of fitness qualification. No further NWCG action is
required at this time.
SUBJECT: Prescribed Fire Training Center.
DISCUSSION: Florida and Forest Service Region 8 have established
a Prescribed Fire Training Center. Two classes have been completed to give
trainees hands-on experience. The training covers all aspects of prescribed
fire (crews to managers). New authorities for prescribed fire expenditures
will permit individual agencies to pay their own personnel.
MOTION: Pass the proposal to Fire Use Working Team for review
and action by our June meeting. NWCG support may need to look to other centers
providing different geographical areas. The Training Working Team needs to
be involved in the training aspects of the proposal. Specific instructions
for review of the proposal will be sent to Working Teams for action.
SECONDED AND CARRIED.
SUBJECT:
LCES/Standards for Survival training.
DISCUSSION: Paul Chamberlin and Nelda St.Clair from Northern Rockies
Geographic Area presented a proposal for an alternative to the existing Standards
For Survival course that is required annually by all agencies. The Standards
For Survival course is good training, but tends to be redundant after
several years. Northern Rockies has developed an alternative for the standard
training that should improve retention and interest. The new training provides
options within the scope of the curriculum while covering the mandatory aspects
of training. A web site will house scenarios for use with the program (www.mt.blm.gov/fire/lces.html).
Currently, three scenarios are developed, but they want to expand this. The
TWT approved the training, and recommends adoption of an alternative to the
Standards For Survival training package.
MOTION:
Provide the completed training package in the Publications Management System
for distribution to the field.
SECONDED AND CARRIED.
SUBJECT: Interagency satellite teleconference.
DISCUSSION: Pat Entwistle, BLM, reviewed program requirements and
expectations for the video conference titled Managing Wildland Fire: From
Policy to Implementation program scheduled for April 8, 1998. NWCG partners
need to make sure the information is transmitted to field units for participation
throughout as many geographical areas as possible. The program will be the
result of lessons learned, not a "re-hashing" of old information.
SUBJECT: Engine typing.
DISCUSSION: This
project originated from Federal Fire and Aviation Leadership Council in response
to the Federal Fire Policy recommendation 52d. The Fire Equipment Working
Team/Engine Sub-Group was tasked to do staff work and make recommendations
to NWCG.
MOTION:
We accept the FEWT recommendation on a combined alternative 2 and 3. We ask
FEWT to convene a small group made up of subject matter experts (including
the dispatch community, FEWT, and IOSWT) to mitigate a final decision raised
by Western States, the IOSWT, and dispatch community on typing. The recommendation
made by FEWT for training is beyond the scope of this project and should be
deleted from the final report. A report should be provided to NWCG at their
June 1998 meeting.
SECONDED AND CARRIED.
SUBJECT: Department of Defense and other agency participation
in NWCG training.
DISCUSSION: This project carried from our previous meeting. NWCG
sent review and recommendations to the Training Working Team. The recommendation
is that other agencies' participation is acceptable, based on space availability.
NWCG members and local government forces who are sponsored by States have
first choice in training class vacancies.
MOTION: Accept the Training Working Team recommendation to agree
to participation from other agencies based on space available. NWCG members
and local government forces who are sponsored by States have first choice
in training class vacancies. The class coordinator should make the decision
on space available.
SECONDED AND CARRIED.
SUBJECT: Reduction of NWCG FY 1998 budget.
DISCUSSION: The U.S. Fire Administration is no longer able to participate
financially in NWCG activities. This leaves NWCG with a $100,000 shortfall
for this fiscal year's overall budget. Budget reductions provided by Working
Teams follow:
t Fire Use Working Team reduction of $1,500 from
the publication of the Smoke Management Guide.
t Training Working Team reduction of $60,000
from BIA change of station and course developer salary.
t Fire Equipment Working Team reduction of $10,000
from Fireline Explosive Investigation project and $5,000 from Fireline
Publications.
t Fire Weather Working Team reduction of $13,500
from MICRO REMS Maintenance.
t Wildland Fire Education Working Team reduction
of $10,000 from Tribal Debris Burning Ordinance Demo project.
MOTION:
NWCG accept the reductions and work assigned listed for the Working Teams
above. Andrea Wojtasek, Forest Service, will provide information on budget
allocations to the Executive Secretary, who will transmit the information
to all Working Teams.
SECONDED AND CARRIED.
SUBJECT:
State travel payments.
DISCUSSION: The Forest Service will transfer State travel monies
to NIFC/FS to accomplish payments. Technical problems with the Forest Service
Finance Center have been resolved and Jeanette Butler, designated travel authority
at the Fire Center, will provide oversight management for payments. Instructions
and processing should be resolved by March 1, 1998. Andrea Wojtasek will
provide information to the Executive Secretary on new procedures. The NWCG
Executive Secretary will distribute this information to NWCG and Working Teams.
SUBJECT: U.S. Fire Administration NWCG membership.
DISCUSSION: It appears the Fire Administration will have problems
continuing their membership in NWCG. It is suggested that participating agencies
and NWCG issue letters to USFA opposing the non-funding and participation
of USFA in NWCG. The NWCG Chair will contact USFA to make a determination
on the status of their continuance in NWCG.
SUBJECT: Wildland Fire Education Working Team survey results.
DISCUSSION: Preliminary results of the survey from the University
of Idaho are still in process. The Working Team will be resolving some issues
in the data from the University of Idaho. We will look for a report at the
June 1998 NWCG meeting.
SUBJECT: S-520/620 Advanced Incident Management/Area Command
nomination process.
DISCUSSION: Currently, Geographic Area Boards prioritize S-520 candidates
and send this list to the National Advanced Resource Technology Center (NARTC)
for assembly by teams. This procedure has always created problems in finalizing
S-520 selections. Geographic Areas should continue to make recommendations
to NARTC, but should meet with NARTC as a group and agree on attendees.
This will save countless telephone negotiations in the process. Based on
recommendations from Geographic Areas, the National MAC Group will select
S-620 attendees.
MOTION: NWCG concurs with the procedures outlined and recommends
the NWCG Chair send a letter to the Geographic Areas outlining procedures
to be used in the nomination process.
SECONDED AND CARRIED.
SUBJECT: Area Command organization.
DISCUSSION:
The Advanced Incident Management/Area Command Steering Committee and
the four National Interagency Area Commanders propose two recommendations
for the Area Command organization. First, to emphasize teamwork and equality
in the Area Command organization, they would like to change the titles to
reflect “Assistant Area Commander Planning” (AACP) and “Assistant Area Commander
Logistics” (AACL). The second recommendation is adoption of an “Area Command
Aviation Coordinator” (ACAC) position. This information, once adopted, needs
to be in ICS-310-1. The NWCG Executive Secretary will send a cover letter
for the proposal needs to IOSWT for inclusion in ICS 310-1.
MOTION: Accept proposal from the Advanced Incident Management/Area
Command Steering Committee.
SECONDED AND CARRIED.
SUBJECT: Fire Weather Working Team Charter approval and membership.
DISCUSSION: The recently formed FWWT submitted a draft of their
Charter and membership for approval. The FWWT Liaison will take a few minor
Charter changes back to the Team. Once these changes have been made, the
Charter will be sent to the NWCG Executive Secretary, who will follow up for
approval.
MOTION:
Approve the Charter as amended.
SECONDED
AND CARRIED.
SUBJECT: Weather issues.
DISCUSSION: Weather issues in general are of critical concern to
NWCG members, and should have the attention of all member agencies. We need
to be able to act promptly if alerted by the FWWT of potential problems or
considerations from the Weather Service. The Cooperative Agreement for
Meteorological Services in Support of Agencies with Land and Fire Management
Responsibilities is circulating in the Weather Service at this time.
The FWWT Chair recommends that NWCG send a letter to National Weather Service
supporting approval and working together. Gerry Day, Chair of FWWT, will
send a draft of the proposed letter to the NWCG Chair for approval and mailing.
SUBJECT: Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC).
DISCUSSION: Alan Jeffrey, CIFFC, has made a written request that
a member of the NWCG Research Working Team be placed on the CIFFC Research
Working Team. We do not have a Research Team, but would be willing to maintain
a level of contact with the Canadians. The NWCG Chair will send a memo seeking
more information on meeting frequency and meeting duration. Bill Sommers
agreed to act as Liaison between NWCG and this CIFFC group.
SUBJECT:
Non-fire emergencies.
DISCUSSION: Currently there is no mechanism for Federal wildland
agencies to respond to non-fire emergencies. Agencies receive requests for
assistance, but frequently are unable to offer it. BLM is seeking legislative
authority so they may participate in a more proactive manner to make resources
more available to counties or local governments. Authority currently exists
to provide assistance on a reimbursable basis. Reimbursement must be agreed
upon and will be needed from the local agency for refurbishment of used equipment.
SUBJECT: Fiscal Year 1999 budget requests.
DISCUSSION: April 15, 1998, will be the date for FY 1998 budget
submissions. The Executive Secretary will write to Working Teams and Advisory
Groups requesting budget submission in NWCG format.
SUBJECT:
IRMWT Infrastructure.
DISCUSSION:
John Gebhard joined the meeting via conference call. Alternatives were reviewed
and discussed. Four positions, a Lead and three subordinates, are considered
in the proposal. In the preferred alternative, the Infrastructure Lead would
administratively report to the IRMWT Liaison. The position will be provided
by one of the Department of the Interior NWCG representatives. Once the lead
position is filled subordinate positions will be filled as needed. The Lead
position will be funded by NWCG as an addition to current NWCG funding. The
budgeting provided will be an increase to the NWCG fiscal cap (previously
set at $1,000,000 during our 68th meeting in October 1996) by $108,000, up
to $1,108,000.
The IRMWT will complete position classification after NWCG review of the
Position Description. NWCG members will provide Position Description comments
to the IRMWT Liaison. Subordinate positions will be filled after the Lead
is in place. Subordinate Position Descriptions will be developed by the Lead
with input from the IRMWT.
MOTION: Accept alternative 1 proposed by the IRMWT. Add $65,000
to the NWCG budget to cover the IRMWT Lead if the position is filled during
this fiscal year.
SECONDED AND CARRIED.
SUBJECT:
Digital radio communication.
DISCUSSION:
There are formal discussions within Federal departments for use of digital
(rather than analog) radio systems. NWCG will add an ad hoc working group
to determine the problems and advantages of this radio communication change.
The working group will follow interagency NWCG guidelines (Federal and State
representation). Steve Jenkins, FS-NIFC, will be asked to organize the group.
Mary Jo Lavin and Les Rosenkrance will provide written direction to Steve
for organization of the group. Les will provide liaison with the new ad
hoc working team.
MOTION:
Develop a Radio Communication Task Force to provide staff work and information
to NWCG. Don Artley and Jim Hull (NASF) will provide Steve Jenkins the names
of two State persons (East and West) to serve on this working group.
SECONDED AND CARRIED.
SUBJECT: Annual interagency fire meeting.
DISCUSSION:
It was proposed that it may be advantageous for NWCG to sponsor an interagency
fire meeting to provide a forum for fire personnel to meet and review similar
concerns. The purpose of the meeting would be to discuss national level fire
policy. States provide individual policies within themselves. It may be difficult
to establish a national interagency fire meeting under the umbrella of NWCG.
NWCG provides national policy decisions, and may not be the appropriate forum
for such a broad group that would include all agency fire directors.
Federal Fire Policy implementation, safety, general training, equipment
issues, research issues, system effects: Rather than holding a separate meeting,
it may be more advantageous to coordinate existing agency fire meetings at
the same time and location. If there were interagency issues or agenda issues,
the interagency community could come together to satisfy interagency questions.
There may be an interagency need, but NWCG should not provide the umbrella
to do this.
MOTION: There is no need for an interagency meeting in 1998,
but we will address this topic at the fall NWCG meeting. At that time we
will determine if there is a need for an interagency meeting or GACC meeting
in spring 1999.
SECONDED AND CARRIED.
FUTURE MEETINGS: June 16-17, 1998, East Coast (0800 to 1700 June 16 and
0800 to 1700 June 17) - FWS training facility in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
Lodging would be off site in the local area. Roger Erb will make arrangements.
September 22-23, 1998 - Missoula, Montana. Don Artley will provide arrangements.
71st
NWCG MEETING SUMMARY AND FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS
| Issue |
Action |
Responsibility |
Accomplishment Date |
Status |
| Continue combination of MIRPS and ROSS Projects |
Work with the Projects to ensure budget proposals
and work plans are submitted |
John Gebhard |
4/15/98 |
|
| IRM Infrastructure |
Recruit for Lead and subordinate support positions |
John Gebhard |
6/98 |
|
| ICS training and testing materials on the Internet |
Continue to determine work on installing ICS training
courses on the Internet |
PMS -
Roger Erb |
6/98 |
|
| Update ICS 310-1 |
Status on update process of ICS 310-1 |
IOSWT - Rick Gale |
6/98 |
|
| Fire shelter specifications |
Follow up and complete shelter specifications |
Jim Hull/ SHWT |
6/98 |
|
| Working Team files at NIFC |
Determine Working Team and Advisory Group needs for
file storage at NIFC |
Executive Secretary |
6/98 |
|
| Distribute FY98 budget |
FY98 distribution with explanatory letter on fund
transfer |
Andrea Wojtasek,
FS, NWCG Exec. Sec. |
3/98 |
|
| State travel |
Develop and distribute letter to WT/AG Chairs outlining
State travel requirements |
Andrea Wojtasek, FS, NWCG Exec. Sec. |
3/98 |
|
| Priorities for resource distribution for wildland
and prescribed fire |
Review committee recommendations |
Jerry Williams, Rick Gale |
6/98 |
|
| Area Command organization |
Forward Area Command organizational changes to IOSWT
for inclusion into ICS-310-1 |
Executive Secretary |
3/98 |
|
| Wildland fire flow chart |
Make changes in chart and forward to Artley for approval
and distribution |
Roger Erb/Don Artley |
4/98 |
|
| Prescribed Fire Training Center |
Send memo to FUWT outlining procedures and evaluation
information needed; FUWT provide follow-up |
Executive Secretary/
FUWT |
6/98 |
|
| WFEWT survey results |
Provide results of U of I survey to member agencies |
WFEWT/Rick Gale |
6/98 |
|
| S520/620 nomination process |
Send memo to GACG outlining procedures for nominations
for attendance at S-520/620 |
Don Artley |
6/98 |
|
| Weather issues |
Send letter to Weather Service outlining importance
of cooperative agreement and weather services |
FWWT Chair/Don Artley |
6/98 |
|
| U.S. Fire Administration |
Follow up with USFA to determine their long-term status
with NWCG |
Don Artley |
6/98 |
|
| Digital radio communications |
Outline ad hoc working group requirements and direction,
select group and develop charter |
Steve Jenkins/Les Rosenkrance |
6/98 |
|
| Interagency annual fire meeting |
Discuss and determine if a need exists for interagency
or GAGC meeting |
Don Artley |
9/98 |
|
| Fire Weather Working Team |
Complete Charter and submit for approval |
Mary Jo Lavin/ Executive Secretary |
3/98 |
|
| FEWT engine typing |
Complete report on consolidated actions |
FEWT - Roger Erb |
6/98 |
|
